FARGO
Drinks
MIXOLOGIST Ben Becker went from fine wines at Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill on the southside, to Spicy Chihuahuas at Vinyl Taco downtown, and that’s just fine with him. By Andrew Jason Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography
B
ecker, who has been slinging drinks for more than five years, came to Vinyl Taco in February and is enjoying the change of scenery. “I really enjoy being downtown, especially with the spots they are making to make downtown hopping,” said Becker. “I would like to see some people who live on the outskirts of town trek into the city more, but I’m certainly not complaining with what we have.” This Mexican bar/restaurant, which serves authentic street food, such as tacos served in cardboard trays, is also known for its drinks menu. Becker recommends Vinyl Taco’s most popular
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drink, the Cadillac Margarita, which includes Milagro Tequila Silver, Cointreau, simple syrup and fresh lime juice with a salted rim and a lime wedge. Vinyl Taco’s drink menu is seasonal, giving the bar/ restaurant some cocktail variety and capitalizes on new trends as fall rolls into the area. “Obviously, people have a habit of becoming obsessed with the pumpkin,” Becker said. “Pumpkin is good and as fun as it may be, it’s sort of holiday specific. We wanted to do more seasonally specific drinks … We were looking for earthy, rich fall/autumn, spicy drinks to get away from the summery citrus, light drinks.” Becker believes that The Clove Shack, (recipe to the right) is that perfect drink. The clove flavor stands out but isn’t in your face and it’s light enough to drink a couple, he said. As a Mexican restaurant, Vinyl Taco serves plenty of tequila, which Becker is liking more by the day. He prides himself on the fact that they are only serving quality tequila, which he promises, “won’t leave you hating Vinyl Taco in the morning.”
THE CLOVE SHACK • • • •
1 ½ oz. Milagro Reposado ½ oz. clove simple syrup ½ oz. Cointreau 2 oz. orange juice Mix in shaker and pour over ice.